TCSO SAR Ready to Deploy 

March 2, 2024 - Tulare County Sheriff's Office officials report that heavy snowfall is expected this weekend and Sheriff Mike Boudreaux would like our mountain communities to know that we have snow equipment staged and personnel well-trained for winter rescues and emergency calls for service.

The TCSO Search & Rescue Team spent last weekend training for winter rescues in a remote area of the U.S. Forest Service at Parker Pass. They brushed up on their skills in snow travel, snowmobile and tracked vehicle operations, snowshoeing, how to build snow caves and create wind blocks, mechanical advantage rope systems using snow anchors, helicopter safety and basic wilderness medicine.

Travel will become difficult this weekend. We strongly recommend mountain residents stock up on food, water, fuel (propane and wood), and double check their medical prescriptions.

If you do travel in the mountains, please remember these important safety tips:

- Chains may be required

- Bring warm clothes

- Have proper footwear

- Keep plenty of food and water on hand

- Have a travel plan ready, and make sure someone has it BEFORE you leave

Many of these areas have no cell reception. Most importantly, please remember to use extra caution on the roadways and slow down!

Stay safe Tulare County!

View video here.

Source & photo: Tulare County Sheriff's Office